2010 Season Playbill announced by Thousand Islands Playhouse

November 20, 2009… The Thousand Islands Playhouse announces its 2010 season – a playbill reflecting the Playhouse’s commitment to presenting world-class entertainment, along with new Canadian plays by some of the country’s brightest talents.

“I’m truly thrilled by the mix that we have created for the upcoming season,” says artistic director Greg Wanless, “it’s a perfect blend of homegrown comedy, thoughtful drama and Broadway glitz. We are honoured to be considered a regional centre for professional theatre and we take that responsibility very seriously. Building on the excellent accomplishments of the 2009 season, we have strengthened our commitment to new play development, to presenting high-quality entertainment, and also to playing host to the country’s best work. 2010 promises to be a great year for theatre in this region.”

Kicking off the season in the mainstage Springer Theatre will be the Canadian premiere of Broadway’s current smash hit, The 39 Steps. Directed by Stratford veteran Dayna Tekatch, this hilarious whodunit has been hailed by the New York Times as “theatre at its finest!” A multiple Tony award-winning treat packed with nonstop laughs.

Next up will be the hit musical Blood Brothers by Willy Russell, a heart-wrenching tale from the writer of Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita. One of the longest running plays in musical theatre history, it has become known as “the standing ovation musical”.

The second is award-winning local favourite Doug Bowie’s latest Till It Hurts, directed by nationally regarded director Daryl Cloran (TIP – Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad). Reminiscent of A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life, the story follows a curmudgeonly professor, on the eve of his retirement that is given one last chance to make changes to the life he’s lived.

And, lastly, in the fall of 2010, we’re delighted to have actor/playwright Debra Hale (TIP – Sexy Laundry, Looking) starring in her new play, Freedom 85. This piece is a great combination of script and performance acrobatics as two actors don the hats of an entire town of people.

Over in the ‘alternative’ Firehall Theatre, associate artistic director Kathryn MacKay contends that the upcoming season promises to be the best yet. “I’m incredibly excited that the 2010 Firehall season will bring together some of the Playhouse’s favourite artists as well as a few new faces. I guarantee that the quality of these shows is on par with anything I’ve seen in this country.”

Ms. MacKay worked hard to land Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre production of Joan MacLeod’s Another Home Invasion. Directed by one of Canada’s top directors Richard Rose, the one-woman play stars the incredible Nicola Lipman (TIP-Shirley Valentine) in a tour-de-force performance. This lovely piece is about an elderly woman dealing with the changes to her life when her husband needs more care than she can provide. As she assesses her life, her story is sure to make even the most cynical of audiences quietly renew their faith in true love.

Midsummer will bring Athol Fugard’s contemporary classic Master Harold & the Boys in the hands of director Nigel Shawn Williams (TIP – Girl in the Goldfish Bowl). A searing look at relationships during the Apartheid era in South Africa, this stirring play is as relevant now as it was when it was first written. This is a must-see play for those who loved The Syringa Tree.

The Firehall season will conclude with Human Cargo’s Night, co-created and directed by Canadian wunderkind Christopher Morris (TIP – Stones in his Pockets). Developed over three Arctic winters in Nunavut and Iceland, this National Arts Centre production is the latest feather in the ‘toque’ of this Queen’s University alumnus.

As a leader in the performing arts in Eastern Ontario, the 2010 season reflects our dedication to providing the highest quality entertainment and hosting the country’s best talent for our audiences.

The 2010 season will begin in mid-May and run through to November. Season subscriptions are NOW ON SALE, call the box office at (613) 382-7020